Introduction

28-DAY SPIRITUAL CHALLENGE

By Pastor Victor Nelson

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Cairo, New York

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to a 28-Day Spiritual Challenge. This blog is designed for those who want to know more in their understanding of the Christian faith, or for those who are new Christians or for those who know little about Jesus or for those who are spiritual seekers.

This 28-Day Spiritual Challenge is designed to accomplish three things: present accurate information about God, to challenge you to consider Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord (the one who forgives & leads you), and to inspire you to grow spiritually. It was developed with prayer, that you may understand and experience the good things of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

My encouragement to you would be to read through it as designed - one day at a time. Do not read two days at the same time, or read ahead, even though you are curious to learn more about a particular topic. If you really must fast-track this, read one in the morning and one in the evening. Try to give yourself time to absorb & consider what is written. There will be plenty of time after the 28-Day Spiritual Challenge is complete to read back over the information in whatever manner you would like.

The prayers are Christian in nature, and you may have a struggle praying those prayers if you are not a Christian. But for those who are considering becoming a Christian the prayers will be helpful. For those who are not Christian, the prayers will give insight and understanding of how Christians talk to God.

What Next?

First, I want to thank you for taking this 28-Day Spiritual Challenge. In preparing this, I have prayed that God would encourage each participant in the ways needed for that person. I hope that you were encouraged in your spiritual journey.

Through this 28-Day Spiritual Challenge you’ve been brought to a basic understanding of who God is, what He has done, and our response of a faith relationship with him. If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, my encouragement is that you do so. Here is a prayer that people have prayed for those who desire that commitment.

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

If you have sincerely prayed this prayer or a prayer like it, you are in fact a Christian. To grow as a Christian and to remain in the faith, here are two very important growth areas, as described by Jesus in the Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:30,31):

1. Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

In loving the Lord, it is important to gather with other Christians for worship, to receive the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and to grow in faith through the study of God’s word. If you have not yet been baptized, you will want to speak to a pastor about doing so. There is no perfect church, but my encouragement would be to find a place you can worship, hear God’s word, and be encouraged to live a Christian life for the rest of your days.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving your neighbor begins with loving those in your immediate family: spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters. But love doesn’t end there. It extends to people we worship with, people who live near us, people who work with us, people who are in need, people who need the hope of Jesus. Love for neighbor is active caring for them in word and deed.

Love for yourself means taking care of your soul through a relationship with God. Love for yourself means taking care of your mind through education, good reading and intellectual growth. Love for yourself means taking care of your body with healthy habits, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health. You will not be good for anyone if you do not take care of yourself.

As you look at number 1 and 2 above, where do you think the Lord is leading you for growth? What area might He be calling you to work on? Where the Lord leads, step out in faith and follow!

If I, or Resurrection Lutheran Church, can be of support to you in your spiritual journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us. May the Lord bless you with a life of love, forgiveness, and faithfulness, until He calls you home.

Resurrection Lutheran Church

PO Box 563, Cairo, NY 12413  ~  www.RLCCairo.org

                                                                   The Rev. Victor Nelson, Pastor ~ vhnelson@gmail.com

Day 28: WHAT ABOUT SEX, MARRIAGE, THE FAMILY, THE POOR, AND THE ENVIRONMENT?

These are very important areas in our society and all are troubled at this time. Books have been written on these topics, and for each topic, we could spend days in discussion. I will give you the very briefest summary of a Christian perspective on each of the above topics.

Sex: Human sexuality is a wonderful and powerful gift created by God. God's design for sexual relationships is that they take place between a man and a woman within the protective boundary of marriage. Sex is to be a full expression of love and commitment and joy between a husband and a wife. Through this wonderful gift, God may bless that couple with children; thus the continuation of the human race.

Some may say that God is trying to take away some of the fun of life with this restriction that sex takes place only within marriage. The reality is that the creator of sex commands its use only within marriage for our own protection, because He loves us. A condom is not good enough protection for sex, but marriage is. As a culture, we have completely disregarded God's loving command as we have accepted casual sex, one night hook-ups, homosexual acts, living together, and friends with benefits. As our society has flagrantly disregarded God's protective commandment, people have paid an enormous price: venereal disease, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, abortion, sterility, fatherless children, murderous love triangles, death through AIDS, and uncountable broken hearts and shattered dreams. None of these are new to the human experience, but in our age these have grown exponentially as we have abandoned the Creator's design for sex.

Contrary to what popular culture would have us believe (and some may be surprised by this statement), our society actually has a very shallow and cheap view of sex. In fact, God and His Scriptures regard sex as very important and of high value. Sex is worthy of the protection designed to be given in a faithful marriage.

There is much more that could be said, but most importantly Jesus died for all our sexual sins, and through trusting in Him there is complete forgiveness. God also gives believers the presence of his Holy Spirit who can empower us to be faithful to God in our sexuality, whether we are single or whether we are married.

In summary, sex is a great and wonderful gift from God. But like any gift, it can be used wrongly (as described above), and thus, can bring harm. If used rightly, it can bring great joy and life.

Marriage and the Family: The very first two chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1 & 2) describe God's creation of man and woman, and of marriage. In Genesis 2:24-25 Scripture says, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife and they shall

become one flesh. The man and wife were both naked and were not ashamed." Marriage, as instituted by God, is a commitment between one man and one woman and serves as the foundational support for society.

As we have with other gifts given by God, as mentioned before, human beings have tinkered with God's design for marriage - with polygamy, divorce, co-habitation, homosexual relationships, trial marriages. Our experimentation has always proven to have long-term harmful impacts upon individuals, upon society and, particularly, upon children. As a society we are trashing God's good plan for marriage, and as we do, the ramifications are severe across generations. We think we can break away from God's design and his commandments. Even if we do recognize the dangers, we assume our private behavior in these areas impacts only ourselves. And we may escape consequences for awhile, but prices are eventually paid for our experimentation. So many problems are exacerbated by the break-down of marriage and the family, including poverty, low education, fatherless children, crime, drug use, unemployment. There’s an old saying, "As the family goes, so goes society." You may have wondered, “What is the major contributor to the problems that our current society faces?” The real culprit is that we have undermined marriage and the family.

But the good news is that there is a way out; it’s never too late for us to receive God's forgiveness. It’s never too late to return to the protection and security of God’s way for life. Even as we suffer the consequences of our former lifestyle, we can yield to God’s way for our future. Christians take great comfort knowing that “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Note: For those who struggle personally with homosexuality, or simply question the concept that homosexuality is not part of God’s plan, one or more of the resources listed at the end of this day’s reading may be helpful.

There is no perfect marriage, because marriage is composed of two sinners. Yet with God’s forgiveness and blessing, we can confidently enter into and grow in marriage.

The Poor: The Bible commands in many places that God’s people are to have particular compassion and concern for the poor. Down through the ages Christians have responded to the needs of the poor with immediate relief, such as food, clothing and shelter. More importantly, Christians have responded to the long- term needs by assisting with education, housing, jobs, and faith. The Scriptures condemn laziness, which can lead to poverty. The Scriptures also condemn systems of injustice and greed, which can sentence people to a life of poverty. The Christian faith and God’s Church are among the best tools God employs to alleviate poverty and hunger. Christians should be leaders in the community to promote short-term and long-term relief for the poor.

The Environment: God is the Creator of all things and God has given the human race authority and responsibility to manage elements of His creation. Through greed, selfishness and ignorance people have significantly harmed parts of God’s creation. Christians are called to individually manage what has been entrusted to them in a wise fashion, and with consideration of the environment and those who will inhabit it after them. Churches, Christian groups, and other organizations can and should use their positions and influence to address government, industry and society on behalf of God’s creation. There is a lot more that could be said, but Christians should be in the forefront of caring for and protecting the world that God has entrusted to us.

PRAYER: Lord God, you have entrusted to us wonderful gifts, including sex, marriage, the family, other people, and the environment. I confess that I have not always been responsible and faithful to you with these gifts. Give me your forgiveness through Jesus and help me to be faithful to you in these and all areas of my life. Amen.

Day 27: HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO CHANGE IF I BECOME A CHRISTIAN? DO I HAVE TO LIVE A BORING LIFE?

You can’t change yourself enough to please God. In one way or another, self-centeredness and sin infects every thought you think, every sentence you speak, every deed you do. Christians are by no means exempt from the infection of sin. From the day a person comes to faith to the day he dies, sin will be present in their life. The main message of Christianity and of the Bible is that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are forgiven all your sin. Having been forgiven you receive a new life in which Jesus is Lord (or you might say, leader). So now the question becomes, “What cleaning up does the Lord want to do in my life?”

Think of your life as like an imperfect house that Jesus loves so much that he purchased for a high price. Jesus sheds his blood to buy that house and then moves in right away, because he loves the house. But some significant problems with the house must be addressed. Jesus might first tackle the leaky roof. Perhaps patching an area, or putting on a whole new roof. Next he might repair the cracks in the foundation, placing some new mortar, shoring it up with some supports. These major fixes need to take place before Jesus even considers other repairs. Then perhaps Jesus might turn to the kitchen – painting the walls and ceiling, putting in a new tile floor, replacing the countertop, stove & sink. Slowly, Jesus goes through the whole house, one room at a time. But, although Jesus is a master carpenter, the house never becomes perfect. There’s always another project, always a system that needs repair, always a room that needs attention. Jesus’ work on the house never ends, but he joyfully tackles one project at a time because he loves the house and wants it to be in the very best condition.

What do we learn from the illustration of your life as like a house?

1. Jesus paid a large price for your life.
2. Jesus loves you dearly.
3. As you become a Christian, you belong to Jesus and He lives in you.
4. Jesus is pleased to move into your life no matter what condition it is in.
5. Jesus does not knock down your life and start all over. He created you from the beginning. He gave you your unique personality. He lovingly seeks to amend and improve, not to ruin and hurt.
6. Jesus starts working in you and with you to make changes in areas of your life that are destructive to you and others.
7. As with all repair jobs, sometimes things may get worse for awhile before they get better.
8. Jesus doesn’t try to change everything all at once.
9. Jesus works on other areas of your life over the course of time.
10. Jesus’ work in your life is never complete, but He lovingly works with you and in you all the days of your life.
11. In the meantime, you and Jesus enjoy a wonderful relationship as you get to know him more and more.
12. When you get to heaven Jesus completes His work and you are perfected, without sin forevermore.

Is the Christian Life boring?

This is an odd question to me because I am a Christian and don’t consider a single part of my life boring. My marriage and family life are vibrant with many joys and challenges. My work-life is rewarding and always has unexpected twists and turns and challenges. My personal life inside my heart and mind is one of continual growth, optimism and hope.

Let me try to address this question from a statement of Jesus. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). The abundant life is one that is filled with love -- the love of God for you and the love of God working in you to love others. The abundant life is filled with challenges, as, day by day, the Lord challenges you to trust him and to step out in faith. The abundant life is filled with hope. We know that God is working through both good and bad circumstances for our ultimate good. And we know that no matter how bleak things may appear on earth, in Christ it will turn out just fine in the end. The abundant life is filled with meaning - each hour, each day, each year, has meaning - and we know that our lives have eternal worth. The Christian may be a doctor, a nurse, or a custodian, but still have this abundant life. The Christian may be married or single, but still have this abundant life. A Christian may be rich or poor, but still have this abundant life. I’ve been a Christian all my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

PRAYER: Lord God, you have made my life and through Jesus you desire to remake my life. Help me to begin to understand how you want to work in my life now and for eternity. Help me to trust that you want to work for my ultimate good. Through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Day 26: WHAT IS THE BIBLE? AREN’T THERE MANY WAYS TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?

The Bible is the account of God creating people, people rebelling against God (sinning) and God seeking to save his people. Over and over in the Bible we see people sinning against God and sinning against one another. In this way the Bible is similar to the headlines of today: lies, betrayals, murders, thefts, selfishness, greed, revenge, adultery, and just about every other form of corruption you can think of. But most importantly, the Bible (encompassing both the Old and New Testaments) describes God's effort of saving people from the power of sin and the power of death. Time and time again God brings help, forgiveness, and life to his people afflicted by sin and death. This effort culminates in God sending his only Son, Jesus Christ, into our world. The Old Testament describes God working to save the Hebrew people and preparing them for their important role of bringing forth the Messiah (another word for the Savior, Jesus). The New Testament describes Jesus' birth, his mission to save all people, his teaching, his miracles, his suffering, his death, and his resurrection. The New Testament focuses on the death and resurrection of Jesus because this is the way in which forgiveness, new life and salvation are offered to each person.

The Bible makes clear that it is not by our own efforts, by our own keeping of God's commands, or by our own good deeds that we can be forgiven and eternally saved. The Bible makes it clear, as in John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."), that it is through faith in Jesus that we are forgiven and given the promise of eternal life. The Bible could be summarized as a book that describes our sinful condition, but even more it is a book that describes the only way of salvation through faith in Jesus the Savior.

Understanding and Interpreting The Bible.

There are at least five ways that people view the Bible:

                1. The Bible is a book of myths and fables.

                2. The Bible is a moral book which teaches us right from wrong.

3. The Bible is a book of ancient mysteries, beyond our understanding or application.

                4. The Bible is a book containing old thoughts, which needs to be

continually updated by contemporary society.

5. The Bible is a book from God which describes his plan of salvation for all people.

If you've selected your view of the Bible as number 5, it would be close to the way the Bible views itself. The Bible describes itself as the unchangeable, eternal word of God (written through human beings) to give God's plan for saving people.

How we view the Bible really impacts how we interpret it. If we view the Bible as #1, #2, #3, or #4 above, we can interpret the Bible any way we choose. And in that light the Bible can say anything that we want it to say.

If we view the Bible as #5 above, then we will carefully read and apply its truths as God, the author, intended. Yes, there will be some differences of opinion among all those who select #5 above, but most of the scriptures will be seen and understood in a common perspective.

As we view the Bible from the perspective of #5 above, we will read it and experience God's communication to us. We will find in it God's forgiveness, God's strength, God's guidance, and the sure hope of eternal life God offers us. We will seek to believe it and to follow it. And as we read and follow it, Jesus reminds us of the wonderful blessing available for each one of us through it: "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it" (Luke 11:28). The best way to learn, study and experience God's truths in the Bible is through the preaching of a Christian church and to study with a group. It is very difficult to study the Bible alone without having some fundamental understanding of it yourself. In a way, it's like driving a car. You need someone to teach you the basics and take you out on the roads before you can drive on your own. But we never stop growing in receiving God's word and the blessings thereof.

How to Read the Bible

Here are a few thoughts in learning how to read the Bible:

1. Use a Bible with contemporary English language. Your grandmother’s King James Bible is great, but it is difficult to understand the old language. An easy reading Bible like the New International Version or the English Standard Version is helpful. Study Bibles have footnotes that are very helpful, also.

2. Before you read, pray: “Lord, open my heart to the message you have for me today.”

3. Begin your reading with simpler books of the New Testament. Don’t plan on reading the Bible like other books, from cover to cover. Start with Matthew or John. Then try Genesis, then Acts, then Psalms. Complicated books like Revelation or Daniel can wait for a Bible class.

4. Get help from others. Be a part of a Bible Study group. Be in touch with a pastor or someone else who knows the scriptures to help you when you have a question.

5. Read looking for the Savior. The Bible speaks of the Savior and Salvation. It points to our sin and points to the Savior.

6. Read daily, but not so much. Better to savor a little, reading prayerfully, rather than force a whole lot in.

7. Record by pen and pad a truth, a promise or a command you received. Write down important questions to ask someone who may know.

8. Don’t worry that you don’t understand all that you read. You will learn more as you grow in understanding the faith and the history of the Bible times.

9. Put into action the truths that you learn. As God teaches you, follow His Word. Forgive those who hurt you, show mercy to those in need, speak the truth with love, place your sins on Jesus, trust Him for eternal life, and so forth.

10. Keep track and memorize favorite bible passages. You will want to recall certain Bible passages. Write them down and commit them to memory. You will find a great comfort at certain times in recalling God’s Word.

The Bible is the all time best selling book. I hope that you make it the best read book of your life. You will find the greatest blessing as you read it and put it into practice.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank you that you have communicated to us through Your Word, the Bible. Help me to grow to understand your communication, particularly the saving news, the forgiving news, the hope-filled news of Jesus. Amen.

Day 25: HASN’T THE CHURCH INFLICTED A LOT OF EVIL? WHAT GOOD HAS THE CHURCH EVER DONE?

The church, as a human organization, is made up of and led by sinful people. Over the past 2,000 years the church has shamefully led or been associated with terrible evils, such as the Crusades, The Inquisition, anti-Semitism, and witch-hunts. As the church leadership gets in bed with the governmental leadership, as has happened in European history, there is awful corruption of the church. Of course, this church-state association and the resulting corruption, was never intended by Jesus.

In addition to the institutional corruption that has at times plagued the church, there is also individual corruption which continually plagues the church. Examples today of this individual corruption are the priest abuse scandal, church members pilfering from the offering, pastors involved in drug, alcohol or sexual sins. A lot of pain and heartache has resulted through this individual corruption. Of course, when a prominent local religious leader, or a national religious figure falls, the publicity shames the church. And then there are the resulting effects of that individual corruption upon innocent victims, which can undermine or destroy their faith in God and bring great psychological harm. Churches today have all kinds of safeguards to prevent and avoid individual corruption, but sin still has its ugly way.

Not to minimize all the evil and sin mentioned above, but we can examine any other human organization and also observe great wickedness and evil. Our own government, The United States of America, and its past treatment of African Americans and Native Americans illustrates the point. We can cite many other corruptions, many other examples of evil and sin in our own country’s history. Yet we live, I believe, in the best nation ever on earth. If you examine the evil effects of atheist communism over the past 90 years and compare it to the evils of the church over the last 2,000 years, the church will appear angelic. Every human organization has failed in many ways, and the church is no exception. But if you compare the large scope of the church and its long history, the record of the church will be morally superior to most other human organizations. That said, it still does not excuse the evils that have been done.

What good has the church done?

It’s easy to point out the historical corruption and evil of the church. The church usually does not try to “blow its own horn” and brag about what it has accomplished. Yet the church has accomplished incredible good things over the last 2,000 years. I cannot begin to cite all, but here mention just a few.

The Needy: Over the generations the church has been the lead agency of concern for the poor, the blind, the deaf, the elderly, and orphans. Untold numbers of Christian institutions and organizations have in the past and still today testify to this fact. Today many local churches house a food pantry, clothing ministry, job ministry and support other Christian organizations which help those who are in need. The church always rallies together when a natural disaster strikes in our world, and is usually one of the leading contributors to alleviate the suffering.

Education: The church established many of the colleges in our society. Some are now no longer affiliated with the church that started it. The church has provided much impetus for our

public education program. The church has educated many through Protestant and Catholic schools.

Hospitals: Have you ever heard of Atheist General Hospital? But you have heard of hospitals with names such as St. Peter, St. Jude, St. Mary’s, the Methodist Hospital, the Lutheran Hospital. Many nursing homes also have had their start from faith-based communities.

Immigrants: Millions of immigrants down through the ages have been welcomed and greeted and supported by the church. Still today the church brings compassionate care to immigrants from all over the world.

The Family: Family is the fundamental unit of society. Who supports the institution of the family? The church is the lead supporter of the family. The church has helped millions of families to stay together in the midst of difficult moments. The family is the greatest anti-poverty program, mental health program, care for the elderly program, care for the sick program. The church is the one organization that supports the family through all the ups and downs of the family life cycle.

Individual Rights: The church sees each person as created by God and therefore sacred in God’s eyes. The church, therefore, supports the right to life of each person from womb to tomb, and has championed such noble causes as women’s rights, civil rights, etc.

Spiritual Blessings: We cannot begin to count the incredible hope and strength given to people through the church. We cannot measure the forgiveness given, nor the gift of eternal life given. Yet, those blessings continue on and on through all eternity. Each person saved through the Word of God proclaimed by the church has an earthly hope and an eternal home – what a great gift!!!.

As you can see, the church has struggled with corruption, but also has done immeasurable good. As a pastor of the church, I speak on behalf of myself and others. We seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of others for harm done. We are thankful for the good done down through the ages that continues today. I hope and pray that this booklet, written and printed with the cooperation of the church, brings to you the highest gifts of God.

PRAYER: Lord God, help me be honest in my assessment of myself as a person and of my assessment of other institutions, including the church. Forgive me where I have been hypocritical and hurtful of others, as an individual or as part of any organization. Help me see your hand at work through the church and other organizations. Show me ways that I can be a part of helping, rather than hurting others, through whatever means are available to me. Through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

Day 24: WHY ARE THERE SO MANY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH?

The word hypocrite has its source in the Greek language and its common usage meant actor. A hypocrite is one who acts one way, but in reality is different from the action seen. By this definition, we are all hypocrites, as we are all actors to one degree or another. None of us are fully honest with others, with ourselves, or with God. All people in the church are hypocrites.

However, there are sometimes great hypocrites and actors who do terrible harm in any human organization including the school community, medical community, business world, the military, the government.  We hear about great church hypocrites in news stories: “Pastor Caught in Prostitution Sting” or “Priest Abuses Child”, “Church President Indicted for Murder” or “Church Treasurer Charged with Embezzlement”. Even one of Jesus’ disciples, named Judas, was a great hypocrite. He was the treasurer for Jesus’ disciples and yet he stole from the treasury. It was Judas who, for 30 pieces of silver, betrayed Jesus to be crucified. Great church hypocrites do great damage to other people. Some do bodily harm. All do spiritual harm, and they bring shame and discouragement to God’s people. Tragically, people have fallen away from faith in God because of the damage that great hypocrites have inflicted.  People blame God for the hurt done. The church and other organizations strive to set up systems to reduce the damage that great hypocrites can cause. But great hypocrites will continue to appear and do their evil work.

The church actually reduces hypocrisy! As people get connected to God and His church, they are given encouragement and opportunity to be more honest with God, with others, and with themselves. Every church should provide an environment of safety and forgiveness so that we can grow in integrity. With God’s grace and acceptance, we can grow to be honest with God and others. There is no better place for hypocrites to be than in the church! So if you have hypocritical tendencies (which you do), come to worship, study God’s Word, associate with fellow strugglers, in a safe place. Let God empower you to grow in integrity and honesty.

Sinners in the Church

The truth of the church is that it is made up of a bunch of sinners. All people are sinful and selfish in nature, and that causes problems in all human organizations. In my congregation, I am the greatest sinner of all. I know what God expects of me and I know my own failings more than I know of anybody else’s failings. I can honestly confess that I am the worst sinner I know in my church. I come to church to receive God’s forgiveness. I also come to receive God’s strength and guidance so that I may live a life of serving the Lord and caring for others. Yet I still will sin, as a pastor and as a person. I need regular forgiveness from God and from others. It is the same for everyone else in our church. They all need God’s forgiveness and strength too. It has often been said that, “The church is not a haven for saints, but it is a hospital for sinners.” So if you are sinful and hypocritical in actions and thoughts, God invites you to come to the church to receive the forgiveness won by Jesus. If you want to be more of a person of integrity, God invites you to come, to grow in honesty and in faithfulness. The church is a hospital with a Great Physician named Jesus. His work is forgiveness and healing. Yes, there will always be sinners and hypocrites in God’s hospital. That’s the best place for them and for us. It is through the Great Physician that we can find the forgiveness and healing that we need.

It is very important for me (and you) to believe that the church is THE place for sinners. Believing that the church is the place for sinners enables me to come to God’s house, even when I am afflicted by great guilt and shame. Believing that the church is the place for sinners enables me to be less judgmental toward drug addicts, adulterers, convicts, and uncaring people who attend church and to rejoice that these struggling people may be receiving help from God. Believing that the church is the place for sinners enables me to see the central message of scripture: Jesus came to save sinners. Believing that the church is the place for sinners enables each person to receive the blessing of forgiveness and strength to walk in integrity.

So don’t let sinners or hypocrites keep you away from God or His church. You have a lot in common with the sinners and the hypocrites, especially in your need for forgiveness and your need for integrity.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, if I am honest with myself, I will see my sin and hypocrisy in my life. If I am honest with myself, I will see that I have a need for forgiveness. Help me to find forgiveness with you and give me the direction and strength I need for growth as a person of integrity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 23: CAN’T I WORSHIP ALONE? ...THROUGH HIS CREATION? ISN’T CHURCH BORING?

I’ve been playing basketball on a somewhat regular basis for over 40 years. There are times when I play alone. I shoot foul shots, I work on my dribbling, I practice my jump shot. Although I can do these things by myself and I can find those activities helpful, I am not really playing basketball. I cannot play basketball by myself because the very nature of basketball is that it is a team sport. Basketball requires other people.

In a similar fashion, worship is a team sport. By myself I can read God’s Word. By myself I can pray. But I can’t fully worship or have a church service in isolation. Worship requires other members of the team. Some team members prepare God’s word and help apply it to my life. Other team members participate with me in the Lord’s Supper, rejoicing together in the special gifts given. Some team members respond with me singing songs and praying. By my presence I encourage other team members in faith, and by their presence they encourage me. In worship I cheer the good things God is doing, and I cheer on my fellow teammates. When a teammate falls, I and others help pick him up. And when I falter, the team is there for me. Even through my baptism I am connected, not just in a relationship with Jesus, but also with others who are part of Christ’s church. And in the Lord’s Supper, I receive the blessing of the Lord’s presence, but it also provides a special connection with my fellow worshippers, as Christ is also in them. And so I can have certain elements of worship in isolation, but worship is designed by God to be conducted in a group.

I like the illustration that comes from hot coals in a wood stove. If I remove a red hot coal from my wood stove and place it on the tile floor, the red coal will soon turn black, and very quickly cool down. Our faith is like that coal. If we remove it from other people of faith, our faith will cool down, and might even die. The good news is that if I place that darkened coal back into the wood stove it quickly becomes red hot again. We also, as we are brought into, or stay with, God’s people in worship, experience a greater intensity in our faith.

Can’t I worship God out in His Creation?

Almost every day I see the Catskill Mountains and the awesome beauty of God’s creation. In my soul there wells up praise and thankfulness for God’s creation. Praise and thanksgiving are surely a part of worship, yet there are other very important parts of worship that are not quite captured by nature. Enjoying God’s creation I could easily forget my own sinfulness and my need for a Savior; I could easily forget what my Savior Jesus did on the cross to give me His costly forgiveness; I could easily forget that the Lord calls me to love and serve others; I could easily forget that God asks me to care for His creation and for those who are in need. Although I become deeply inspired by God’s wondrous creation, I become more deeply inspired by His love - a love so great that he gave His Son to death for me.

Isn’t church boring?

A 10-year-old boy named Aaron went on a six-week trip with his family to Europe. When he returned I asked him, “Aaron, how did you like Europe?” He responded rather dolefully, “Boring”. I guess I can understand how a 10-year-old boy can get bored, even in Europe. So I can understand how church can be boring for those who may not understand it, those who

are not fully integrated into worship. Some “very evil” people have even accused my sermons of being boring!! Can you imagine that??

Worship can be extraordinarily uplifting as I look for:

٠God taking away my grievous sin.

٠My guilt being lifted.

٠God telling me once again he loves me and his story of salvation.

٠God directing my life and giving me purpose.

٠Singing songs sung by previous generations in all kinds of situations.

٠Hope given to a defeated spirit.

٠Acceptance given to a lost soul.

٠Love and healing given to a wounded person.

Most of the great drama shows on television involve rescue of one sort or another. Worship always involves rescue: God rescuing His people, God rescuing you. In the structure of worship, in the Scripture readings, in the songs, in the preaching, in the Lord’s Supper, we experience once again the incredible rescue that God gives through Jesus. And this is your rescue! There is nothing more dramatic than that.

The thrill of a special effects movie lasts about as long as the closing credits run on the screen. The excitement and tension of an overtime game lasts for a few hours. The adrenalin rush of a rock concert lasts till the next morning. But as a person gets acquainted with worshiping on a regular basis, there is a comfort that endures, there is a power that motivates to action, and there is a peace that is eternal. The entertainment that our society offers is like an exciting roller coaster ride – a real rush but quickly over. A worship service is not entertainment. Never ask the question, “How was church?” as if we are judging it like a movie. But you may ask “What did God give you in worship?”, for God gives various gifts in worship. Don’t merely look for the performance: the preaching and the music, but look for the gifts God gives. The gifts God gives are rescue, forgiveness, life, peace, hope, strength, and the gift of Himself. Don’t miss the gifts!

PRAYER: Lord God, I don’t know if I could go and worship with other people. I wonder what they’d think of me. I wonder if they would accept me. I wonder if it would have any relevance for my life. Give me the faith I need to see that worship can be a vital part of my spiritual life, where I receive precious gifts from you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 22: ISN’T BEING GOOD GOOD ENOUGH? WHY IS FAITH NECESSARY?

What are the requirements for pleasing God? What is the level of goodness that is acceptable to God? What is God’s expectation or standard of behavior for any of us? Most people respond to these questions by comparing themselves to others. We tend to say to ourselves, “I am as good as most people, that is probably good enough. I don’t go around killing or stealing, and I don’t lie too much, that is probably good enough. I am certainly better than a lot of people that I know, and that should be good enough. I am above average in my morality, and that should be good enough.” We all know people who are morally worse than we are. We comfort ourselves with the understanding that we are better than they are, and at least equal to most others. We say: “I am not cruel or inhumane. I am basically honest. And that’s good enough.”

The problem with this line of thinking is that it is based upon what I or others say is good enough. What really counts is not what I say, or what other people say, is good enough, but what God says is good enough.

The question then becomes: What is God’s standard for goodness? What is God’s expectation of goodness? God sets the standard and the expectation for goodness. God is the law-giver and God is the judge. So we need to know: What is good enough for God?

What is God’s standard of goodness?

Here are a few of the many Bible verses which describe God’s standard of goodness:

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written,                “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16)

You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.

(Deuteronomy 18:13)

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

The Word of God contains God’s commands. And those commandments are given to be obeyed. As it often is said, the 10 commandments are not 10 suggestions. If we honestly examine the commandments given in scripture (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21), we will soon discover that we fail in following them according to God’s standard (“holy”, “blameless”, “perfect”), whether in our thoughts, our words, or our actions. Often we fail the commandments in all three ways. Following such honest scrutiny of ourselves, we are confronted with the disturbing truth: We are sinners. We are lawbreakers. We are rebellious.

Why does God have such a high standard?

We, in our sinful condition, naturally defend ourselves, accommodating to our own sins and the sins of others. We explain away sins. We excuse sins. We condone sinful words and actions. But the fact is that we are immersed in sin, just like fish are immersed in water.

God, however, is holy (1 Peter 1:16). God in His holiness hates sin (Proverbs 6:16-19). God despises our sinful words, thoughts, and actions. There is never a place in the Bible where God excuses, condones or winks at sin. God’s very nature causes Him to be opposed to sin.

How, Then, does God judge each [sinful] person?

Here are a few of the many Bible passages that describe God’s judgment on people who are sinners, which is all of us.

As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks

for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does

good, not even one. (Romans 3:10-12)

                For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. (James 2:10)

For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23a)

       

As we see in the above verses, all of us fall into sin and all of us fall into

God’s judgment. None of us is good enough.

Where do people who are not good enough find help?

This is the central message of the Bible and Christianity: People are great sinners; God is a great Savior. Over and over in Scripture we see the sad narrative of people falling into horrendous sin. But over and over in Scripture we see God seeking to save sinful people. This golden thread that runs through all the pages of Scripture comes to culmination in the death of Jesus Christ – when sinful people put to death the pure, holy Son of God. This surely shows the depravity of the human race.

But, while Jesus was on the cross, God placed on him the sins of each person, including your sins and mine. Jesus willingly became the Sin-Bearer who died to take the punishment we deserve. Through Jesus, and only through Jesus, we have forgiveness of all of our sins. It is through Jesus, and only through Jesus, that people who are not good enough, become good enough. Through Jesus, and only through Jesus, sinful people are completely forgiven and declared “holy”, “blameless” and “perfect” according to God’s standard and judgment. It is Jesus, and only Jesus, who makes us good enough!

Where does faith fit in?

Faith believes that Jesus died on the cross for us. Faith connects us to the accomplishments of Christ on the cross. It is through faith that we are forgiven and made holy - good enough - in God’s sight. Faith receives the forgiveness Jesus purchased for us on the cross.

What, then, shall I do?

This was the exact question that was asked by the people who heard the first Christian sermon ever preached, by a disciple named Peter (Acts 2). After hearing the truth about themselves in the sermon, in their hearts they felt convicted of their sin. They asked Peter, “What then shall we do?” Here is Peter’s response, which still applies to sinners like you and me today: “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Repent means to turn away from sin. Being baptized is the way God washes away our sins. With faith we are assured we are forgiven, and God gives His presence to us by His Holy Spirit.

So if you have not done what Peter says, what is holding you back? What are you waiting for? You cannot be good enough any other way, so “Turn away from sin. Be baptized. Trust in Jesus. Be forgiven. Receive God’s Holy Spirit.” And then, be assured that through Jesus, you are good enough!

Prayer: Dear Lord, by your standard I am not good enough. As I carefully examine my heart I see selfishness and sin in every place. But you gave your Son for my forgiveness. Help me, Lord, to ponder such a great gift and its meaning for my life. Through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Day 21: AM I A BELIEVER? HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ENOUGH FAITH? HOW CAN I GROW IN FAITH?

I Wonder if I am a Believer.

 It's very important for people to know whether they are believers or not. Many people think that they are believers because they believe that God exists. The belief that God exists does not make a person a believer. The Bible says that the demons believe that God exists (James 2:19), but believing that God exists does not make the demons believers.

Many people have knowledge about God and feel as though that makes them a believer. They know that God created the world. They know that Jesus died for sin and rose from the dead. They know that there's a heaven and a hell. But knowledge about something does not make a person a believer.

Many people think they are believers because they are a member of a church. They attend worship occasionally and understand what's going on and so they feel that they are a believer. But attending the church does not make one a believer.

Many people think about their own existence and think about God and think about the meaning of life. Because of that they identify themselves as spiritual. But that still does not make them a believer. Just because a person thinks about baseball or even watches a baseball game, that does not make them a baseball player.

So what is a Believer?

A believer is a person who has “saving faith”. That is, has a trust of the heart in Jesus as their Savior. Realizing their need, they trust that Jesus died and rose to save them from sin and death. A believer trusts that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, gives forgiveness and eternal life. A believer relies upon what Christ accomplished at the cross and the empty tomb to give them salvation. What makes someone a believer is not living a sinless life (impossible), or never struggling against sinful desires attitudes and behaviors (all believers do). What makes a believer is a reliance of the heart, a trust, a confidence in the Savior, Jesus.

Of course one has to believe that God exists before they can trust in Him. Of course you have to have some measure of knowledge of Jesus before you can trust in Him. For many reasons, going to church is a very important response to what Jesus has done, and thinking spiritually is an aspect that opens the heart to faith. But none of these things are saving faith.

Here is a prayer that some new believers pray that helps capture what saving faith is:

"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You are the Son of God and the Savior. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you into my life and heart to be my Leader and my Forgiver. I want to serve you always. Amen."

If you are able to pray this prayer in all sincerity, you have faith in the living God. If you are praying a prayer like this for the first time in your life, please speak with a pastor or fellow Christian about your faith, so that your faith may be properly supported.

How Much Faith Do I need to be Saved?

Some years ago my father was swimming at an ocean beach on Long Island. He was safe on a sandbar when a wave knocked him into deeper waters. Although he is a swimmer, because of his age, the subsequent waves wore him out. He was trying to swim back to the sandbar but couldn't get there. Although there were others around him, he had no strength to call out for help. Finally, with all hope gone, he began to sink. Precisely at that moment a lifeguard grabbed him and brought him to shore. How much faith did my father need to be saved? Not much. Just a little faith which prevented him from fighting the lifeguard was all that he needed. A little faith in a strong lifeguard is what is needed to save a person.

So also for eternal salvation. A little faith in the strong God who died and rose for you is all that's needed to save. We can fight and resist the Savior, but a little trust in Him will bring the wonderful gift of salvation. Saving faith is something that you have or you don't have. It can't be measured. You're either drowning or you are saved. There is no gray. Once Mother Theresa was asked, "Are you the woman with the big faith?" She replied, "No, I'm the woman with the small faith in a big God."

A Life Without Faith?

The Bible says (Hebrews 11:6) “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Why is faith necessary to please God?

                By faith, the Christian trusts that God is and has created all.

                By faith, the Christian trusts God gave His only Son to forgive sins.

                By faith, the Christian trusts Jesus rose and opens heaven.

                By faith, the Christian reads and follows God’s Word, the Bible.

                By faith, the Christian worships and prays.

                By faith, the Christian gives of His time, talent and treasure.

                By faith, the Christian has compassion for those in need.

                By faith, the Christian dies with the sure hope of eternal life.

Faith is as vital to the soul as air is to the body. A life without faith is a life, and an eternity, without God.

Can I Be A Believer Even Though I Struggle With Faith?

The truth is that all believers struggle with aspects of the faith and the Bible. Even John the Baptist expressed doubt about Jesus (see Luke 7:20), and so did Jesus’ own disciple, Thomas (John 20:24-29). This prayer recorded in scripture could be yours too: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24b). Believers will always have questions, and these are welcomed by God. Many times satisfactory answers or progress toward understanding can be found through prayer, scripture reading and study, and/or by speaking with a trusted Pastor or teacher of God’s Word.

How Can I Grow In Faith?

Your faith relationship with the Lord is meant to grow. You grow in trusting God just as you grow in trusting another person. You listen to them, spend time together, do things together, and faith and trust can grow. So as we listen to God's word, as we put it into practice and see that it is reliable, as we go through trials and troubles and see God's presence with us, as we worship the Lord, as we are connected with God's people, our faith in Him will grow.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I believe that you exist. Help me also to believe that through Jesus I am forgiven. Help me also to believe that through Jesus I have the sure promise of eternal life. Help me also to believe that You are with me. And help me to grow in my faith in You. I pray through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 20: IS FAITH AGAINST REASON? IS FAITH JUST A CRUTCH FOR THE WEAK?

Is it unreasonable to believe that God exists? Every culture has some belief in a god, goddesses, or gods. Would we say that every culture is unreasonable in this way? Every person asks where they come from and who made them. Is it  reasonable today that I, you, all people, and all things came to existence from nothing? How reasonable does that sound? It takes a significant amount of faith to believe that story. It is reasonable to believe that God exists. Brilliant people of all ages and cultures have and still do believe in God’s existence. It is most unreasonable to believe that something comes from nothing. It is most reasonable to believe in a Creator, that from Him comes all things.

Is it unreasonable to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior? On first examination, it may appear unreasonable. When people heard Paul (an early follower of Jesus) proclaim that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for forgiveness and life, some laughed at Paul and some thought that it was utter foolishness. Paul reminded his listeners that the wisdom of each age soon fades as new thoughts come to bear. He said that the “foolishness of God” (giving Jesus as Savior) is wiser that the wisdom of man. Paul states that the cross is the wisdom of God and the power of God for salvation. The cross of Christ is not against reason, but the mercy of God shown in the cross of Christ is certainly above our reason.

There are many other dynamics of faith that may appear to be unreasonable, such as hearing or reading the Word of God, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, doing good things for others, and giving money for the Lord’s work. Each of these appears to be foolish. But each is a way of receiving God’s mercy or a way of responding to God’s mercy. It is not unreasonable that God would provide ways to receive His mercy. It is not unreasonable for people to respond to God’s mercy. The Christian life is one of receiving God’s mercy and responding to God’s mercy, a very reasonable thing to do.

The Christian faith is never against reason. God is the Creator of the human mind and the laws of logic, and is very much for the use of reason and logic. But reason and logic cannot explain all things. Reason and logic play good supporting roles to the main character of faith. The things of God are received by faith. The things of God are not contrary to reason and logic, but often rise above reason and logic, apprehended only by faith.

Is faith just a crutch for the weak?

I was a physical therapist before becoming a pastor. All physical therapists take a course called “Gait Training”. That course examines the movements and muscles associated with normal gait pattern, the many causes of an abnormal gait, and various therapeutic ways to improve the gait pattern. One tool that was used to improve or enable walking, was a crutch. Whether in the form of a cane, walker, under-arm crutch, or forearm crutch, a crutch permited ambulation for injured people. Of course, there were injured patients who were too proud to use a crutch. They insisted on trying to walk without a crutch. But with a broken ankle, or paralysis of quadriceps (thigh muscle) you are not going to get very far. The crutch was then accepted for as long as it was needed. A crutch, needed and appropriately employed, is a wonderful tool which should not be disparaged.

Faith is a crutch!!! Faith is a crutch for those who are broken by sin and those who are afflicted by death. Faith is a crutch which enables sinners to walk through life without the crushing load of guilt, without the hobbling effect of sin. Faith is a crutch which enables those burdened and wounded by the trials of life to find strength and healing. Faith is a crutch which enables the person with the cancer of selfishness to have their gait pattern altered by love and generosity. Faith is a crutch which enables the hopelessly handicapped person to walk with a spring in his step. Faith is a crutch which enables the mortally wounded person to walk with the sure hope of eternal life.

Do you need the crutch of faith? Is sin present in your life? Do you have scars or wounds from the hurts of life? Does selfishness sap the joy out of your life? Is death around you? Does your pride keep you from using a crutch? Would you be embarrassed to be seen with a crutch? Would others laugh at you if they saw you with a crutch? 

Faith is a crutch for which this physical therapist himself is very thankful. Take it from a physical therapist, if the crutch fits … use it!

Prayer: O God, a part of me sees that faith in you is a wise thing. But a part of me struggles. And I wonder what others would think if I committed myself to you. But you still reach out to me offering me the assistance I need. Help me get past the pride that resists you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Day 19: CAN I BE CERTAIN OF ETERNAL SALVATION?

I occasionally ask church members if they know they are eternally saved, that is, if they know they are going to heaven when they die. Edith, a woman from my former congregation in Western New York, responded to me this way whenever I asked that question: “I hope so,” She would say this with a rather timid, unsure voice.

Edith was thinking like many people think – that her salvation, her eternal destination, was partially or totally dependent upon her. But here is the truth about salvation, which I explained to Edith and to countless others. Many people believe that their salvation depends upon their own good works – their own kindly actions, their own good efforts. The problem with this thinking is that along with any good works we may do, we also do a lot of bad works, and we would never know if we’ve done enough good works to satisfy God. Some people feel that it is their religious actions that save them. If they go to church enough, if they pray enough, if they read the Bible enough, they might be saved. Again, the problem is whether we’ve done enough to open the doors of heaven to us. Still other people believe their salvation depends upon their faith. If they can muster up enough faith, enough love, enough trust towards God, maybe they can be saved.

All of these perspectives have their source problem in believing that their salvation is dependent upon them – what they do, what they think, what they believe. The good news is that our salvation is not dependent upon us, but is dependent on the Savior, Jesus. It is not we who save ourselves, but Jesus the Savior, who saves us. Jesus has already died to forgive me of my sins, so I can know for certain that I am forgiven. Jesus has already risen from the dead, conquering death, so that I can know for certain that He has opened heaven to me and all believers. It is not my good efforts, or even my faith that saves me. But it is the Savior that saves me. My faith does not save me, but my faith receives the salvation won by Christ for me. Faith is the hand that accepts the gift of forgiveness and salvation.

God wants us to be assured of this most important gift of salvation, not as a matter of pride, but for our reassurance and to bring us comfort. God does not want us to be in doubt of our eternal destination. Look at these passages below and the underlined words:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may

 know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16a)

[Jesus said] “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

In the passages above God does not say maybe you will have eternal life, perhaps you will have eternal life, it is possible for you to have eternal life, you could have eternal life. No, God gives words of certainty. He wants us to be absolutely certain of His salvation. He wants us to be absolutely certain of our eternal destination.

Sometime you will close your eyes for the last time. That could happen in seven minutes, or seven days, or seven months, or seven years, or seven decades. We are not at all certain about the time we will die. But God wants us to be absolutely certain about what will happen when we die. God wants us to know that we will have eternal life. He gave His son unto death so that we can have the assurance of forgiveness and eternal salvation. He means for this assurance to bring us peace and to comfort us.

How can we be certain about our salvation?

Don’t look at yourself, don’t look to your good works, don’t look to your spiritual experiences, don’t look at your church membership certificate. Look only to Jesus on the cross. Look only to Jesus who has risen from the dead. He has already died and risen for you. He has already saved you. Faith receives His gift of salvation.

All the religions of the world except Christianity can be summed up with one word: DO. This is what you must DO to please God, this is what you must DO to be saved. DO these acts, DO these deeds. If you DO them well enough, you might be saved. What uncertainty there is in all those religions with their command to DO.

Christianity may also be described in one word. That word is not do, but DONE. Our forgiveness is DONE, accomplished by Jesus. Our salvation is DONE, accomplished by Jesus. Christ, our Savior, provides us with absolute certainty of our salvation. He has DONE what is required for us to be saved. Through trusting Him, we can rest in His sure promises.

I spoke to Edith a few months before she died.  She was on Hospice, knowing that her time of death was coming close. Over the telephone I asked her: “Edith, do you know if you are going to heaven?” She responded with a confidence in her voice, “Yes, I know when I die I know I am going to heaven.” I said, “Edith, how do you know this?” She responded, “I know it because of my Savior, Jesus.” Edith no longer looked to her good works or her own efforts, but she placed her trust totally in her Savior. Just before Christmas, 2010, Edith’s Savior brought her home. I hope that you too will have that same confidence that Edith had, placing your trust totally in the Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:

I know that someday I will die. I do want to live forever in your presence. I confess that my works, my own efforts, are not good enough to earn my salvation. Give me the faith to rest and trust in the Savior, Jesus, who died and rose for my salvation. Give me the peace that comes with knowing my eternal destination is secure because of my Savior. I pray in His name. Amen.